Biimidazole diamide anion binding agents

ABSTRACT

Biimidazole diamide compounds that are useful for binding anions such as sulfate are described, along with the use thereof for purposes such as extracting anions from a waste stream and/or detecting anions.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns anion binding agents and methods of usethereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Artificial receptors that are capable of selectively binding anionicspecies show promise in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and inenvironmental remediation (Beer, P. D.; Gale, P. A. Angew. Chem. Int.Ed. 2001, 40, 486; Gale, P. A. Coord. Chem. Rev. 2000, 199, 181;Snowden, T. S.; Anslyn, E. V. Curr. Opin. Chem. Biol. 1999, 3, 740;Antonisse, M. M. G.; Reinhoudt, D. N. Chem. Commun. 1998, 443; Beer, P.D. Acc. Chem. Res. 1998, 31, 71; Schmidtchen, F. P.; Berger, M. Chem.Rev. 1997, 97, 1609). For example, sensors for inorganic phosphate couldbe used to monitor ATP synthesis/hydrolysis or kinase-dependent cellsignaling. “Carrier” molecules can also enhance through-membranetransport of chloride ion, which is a goal of cystic fibrosis research.Anion binding species may also be used in the extraction of nitrate fromrivers and lakes, which is expected to inhibit eutrophication, and theassociated oxygen depletion and fish kills. In addition, extraction ofanions from nuclear waste prior to vitrification may decrease nuclearwaste volume.

Several anion receptors have been constructed from 5-memberedheterocycles (Sessler, J. L.; Davis, J. M. Acc. Chem. Res. 2001, 34,989; Cafeo, G.; Kohnke, F. H.; La Torre, G. L.; White, A. J. P.;Williams, D. J. Chem. Commun. 2000, 1207; Anzenbacher, P., Jr.;Jursiková, K.; Sessler, J. L. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2000, 122, 9350; Miyaji,H.; Sato, W.; Sessler, J. L. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2000, 39, 1777;Sessler, J. L.; Allen, W. E. CHEMTECH 1999, 29, 16; Sato, K.; Arai, S.;Yamagishi, T. Tetrahedron Lett. 1999, 40, 5219), (thio)amides (Ayling,A. J.; Pérez-Payán, M. N.; Davis, A. P. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2001, 123,12716; Choi, K.; Hamilton, A. D. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2001, 123, 2456;Miyaji, H.; Sessler, J. L. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2001, 40, 154;Jagessar, R. C.; Burns, D. H. Chem. Commun. 1997, 1685), or both (Gale,P. A.; Camiolo, S.; Tizzard, G. J.; Chapman, C. P.; Light, M. E.; Coles,S. J.; Hursthouse, M. B. J. Org. Chem. 2001, 66, 7849), because thesegroups form relatively strong NH-anion hydrogen bonds. Previous work hasalso established that coupling luminescent moieties to H-bond donors canyield sensors that operate at low anion concentrations (Liao, J.-H.;Chen, C.-T.; Fang, J.-M. Org. Lett. 2002, 4, 561; Gunnlaugsson, T.;Davis, A. P.; Glynn, M. Chem. Commun. 2001, 2556; Sun, S.-S.; Lees, A.J. Chem. Commun. 2000, 1687; Beer, P. D.; Szemes, F.; Balzani, V.; Salà,C. M.; Drew, M. G. B.; Dent, S. W.; Maestri, M. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1997,119, 11864). We describe here a series of anion receptors thatincorporate all of these features into a single molecular unit (Sessler,J. L.; Maeda, H.; Mizuno, T.; Lynch, V. M.; Furuta, H. Chem. Commun.2002, 862; Anzenbacher, P., Jr.; Try, A. C.; Miyaji, H.; Jursiková, K.;Lynch, V. M.; Marquez, M.; Sessler, J. L. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2000, 122,10268; Black, C. B.; Andrioletti, B.; Try, A. C.; Ruiperez, C.; Sessler,J. L. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1999, 121, 10438). Specifically, electricallyneutral biimidazole diamides are shown to simultaneously serve asmultiple H-bond donors (Fortin, S.; Beauchamp, A. L. Inorg. Chem. 2000,39, 4886) and as anion-sensitive fluorophores.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention is a compound of Formula I:

wherein:

-   -   R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ are each independently H, alkyl, substituted        alkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, alkenyl, substituted        alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, aryl, substituted aryl,        alkylaryl, substituted alkylaryl, arylalkyl, substituted        arylalkyl, alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, arylalkenyl, substituted        arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl, substituted arylalkynyl, aroyl, acyl,        heterocyclic, substituted heterocyclic, halogen, cyano, nitro,        macrocyclic ligand, and lipophilic groups;    -   R₅ and R₆ are each independently H, alkyl, substituted alkyl,        cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, alkenyl, substituted        alkenyl, alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, aryl, substituted aryl,        alkylaryl, substituted alkylaryl, arylalkyl, substituted        arylalkyl, alkoxy, substituted alkoxy, arylalkenyl, substituted        arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl, substituted arylalkynyl, aroyl, acyl,        heterocyclic, substituted heterocyclic, halogen, cyano, nitro,        or a macrocyclic ligand; and    -   R₇ and R₈ are each independently H or lower alkyl.

In one embodiment of the foregoing, wherein at least one (e.g., one,two, three, four) of R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ is a macrocyclic ligand.

In one embodiment of the foregoing, wherein at least one (e.g., one,two, three, four) of R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ is a lipophilic group.

A further aspect of the present invention is a compound as describedabove immobilized on a solid support.

A further aspect of the present invention is a compound as describedabove, further comprising an anion such as sulfate bound thereto (usefulfor purposes such as an intermediate in a purification or vitrificationprocess).

A further aspect of the present invention is a method of binding ananion such as sulfate, comprising contacting an anion to a compound asdescribed above so that said anion is bound thereto.

A further aspect of the present invention is a method of extracting ananion from a mixed composition containing the same, comprising the stepsof: (a) contacting said mixed composition to a binding compound ofFormula I as described above so that said anion is bound thereto; andthen (b) separating said binding compound from said mixed composition tothereby extract said anion from said mixed composition. In oneembodiment the mixed composition comprises nuclear waste material, andthe method further comprising the step of vitrifying the mixedcomposition following said separating step. In one embodiment of theforegoing method, the binding step is immobilized on a solid support sothat it may be easily separated from the mixed composition prior to thesubsequent vitrification step.

A further aspect of the present invention is a method of detecting ananion, comprising the steps of: (a) contacting an anion to a bindingcompound of Formula I as described herein; and then (b) determining(e.g. by fluorometry) the fluorescence of said compound, wherein saidcompound is less fluorescent when said anion is bound thereto, tothereby detect said anion. The contacting step may be carried out by anysuitable means, such as by combining the anion and the compound in acommon liquid solution (e.g., a solution comprising or consistingessentially of dichloromethane).

The present invention is explained in greater detail in the drawingsherein and the specification set forth below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows representative emission spectra for 1c (2.5×10⁻⁶ M) inaerated CH₂Cl₂ during titration with Bu₄N⁺H₂PO₄ ⁻. λ_(excit)=300 nm.

FIG. 2 shows possible structures of biimidazole—anion complexes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is explained in greater detail below. Thisdescription is not intended to be a detailed catalog of all thedifferent ways in which the invention may be implemented, or all thefeatures that may be added to the instant invention. For example,features illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be incorporatedinto other embodiments, and features illustrated with respect to aparticular embodiment may be deleted from that embodiment. In addition,numerous variations and additions to the various embodiments suggestedherein will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of theinstant disclosure which do not depart from the instant invention.Hence, the following specification is intended to illustrate someparticular embodiments of the invention, and not to exhaustively specifyall permutations, combinations and variations thereof.

This invention discloses a compound of the general structure of FormulaI.

When discussed herein, the term “lower alkyl” refers to straight orbranched chain alkyl radicals having in the range of about 1 up to 4carbon atoms;

-   -   “alkyl” refers to linear or branched chain alkyl radicals having        in the range of about 1 up to about 12 carbon atoms, including        methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, septyl, octyl,        nonyl, decyl, undecyl and dodecyl;    -   “substituted alkyl” refers to alkyl radicals further bearing one        or more substituents such as hydroxyl, alkoxy (of a lower alkyl        group), mercapto (of a lower alkyl group), halogen,        trifluoromethyl, cyano, nitro, amino, carboxyl, carbamate,        sulfonyl, sulfonamide, and the like;    -   “cycloalkyl” refers to cyclic ring-containing radicals        containing in the range of about 3 up to 8 carbon atoms, and        “substituted cycloalkyl” refers to cycloalkyl radicals further        bearing one or more substituents as set forth above;    -   “alkenyl” refers to straight or branched chain hydrocarbyl        radicals having at least one carbon-carbon double bond, and        having in the range of about 2 up to 12 carbon atoms, and        “substituted alkenyl” refers to alkenyl radicals further bearing        one or more substituents as set forth above;    -   “alkynyl” refers to straight or branched chain hydrocarbyl        radicals having at least one carbon-carbon triple bond, and        having in the range of about 2 up to 12 carbon atoms, and        “substituted alkynyl” refers to alkynyl radicals further bearing        one or more substituents as set forth above;    -   “aryl” refers to aromatic radicals having in the range of 6 up        to 14 carbon atoms, and “substituted aryl” refers to aryl        radicals further bearing one or more substituents as set forth        above;    -   “alkylaryl” refers to alkyl-substituted aryl radicals, and        “substituted alkylaryl” refers to alkylaryl radicals further        bearing one or more substituents as set forth above;    -   “arylalkyl” refers to aryl-substituted alkyl radicals, and        “substituted arylalkyl” refers to arylalkyl radicals further        bearing one or more substituents as set forth above;    -   “alkoxy” refers to an alkoxy radical having in the range of 1 up        to 12 carbon atoms, and “substituted alkoxy” refers to alkoxy        radicals further bearing one or more substituents as set forth        above;    -   “arylalkenyl” refers to aryl-substituted alkenyl radicals, and        “substituted arylalkenyl” refers to arylalkenyl radicals further        bearing one or more substituents as set forth above;    -   “arylalkynyl” refers to aryl-substituted alkynyl radicals, and        “substituted arylalkynyl” refers to arylalkynyl radicals further        bearing one or more substituents as set forth above;    -   “aroyl” refers to aryl-carbony species such as benzoyl, and        “substituted aroyl” refers to aroyl radicals further bearing one        or more substituents as set forth above;    -   “heterocyclic” refers to cyclic (i.e. ring containing) radicals        containing one or more heteroatoms (e.g., N, O, S, or the like)        as part of the ring structure and having in the range of 3 up to        14 carbon atoms, and “substituted heterocyclic” refers to        heterocyclic radicals further bearing one or more substituents        as set forth above;    -   “acyl” refers to alkyl-carbony species;    -   “halogen” refers to fluoride, chloride, bromide or iodide        radicals;    -   “anion” refers to any negatively charged ion, including but not        limited to Cl⁻, SO₄ ⁻⁻, and H₂PO₄ ⁻; and

The term “macrocyclic ligand” as used herein means a macrocyclicmolecule of repeating units of carbon atoms and heteroatoms (e.g., O, S,or NH), separated by the carbon atoms (generally by at least two orthree carbon atoms). Macrocyclic ligands exhibit a conformation with aso-called hole capable of trapping ions or molecules, particularlycations, by coordination with the electrons of the heteroatom (e.g., alone pair of electrons on the oxygen atoms when the heteroatoms areoxygen). In general, the macrocyclic ring contains at least 9, 12 or 14carbon atoms and heteroatoms (e.g. O, S, NH), each heteroatom in thering being separated from adjoining heteroatoms in the ring by two ormore carbon atoms. The macrocyclic ring may be substituted orunsubstituted, and may be fused to additional rings (e.g., 1 to 4additional rings such as phenylene, naphthylene, phenanthrylene, andanthrylene rings).

The term “crown ether” as used herein means a macrocyclic polyetherwhose structure exhibits a conformation with a so-called hole capable oftrapping cations by coordination with a lone pair of electrons on theoxygen atoms (McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms(3d ed. 1984)). Crown ethers are a species of macrocyclic ligand.

The present invention may be carried out by substituting at least onehetero atom of a macrocyclic ligand or crown ether with a1,4-phenylenediamine group by covalent bond to one, or both, of theamine nitrogen atoms.

Any macrocyclic ligand or crown ether can be substituted as shown hereinand used to carry out the present invention, including but not limitedto those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,252,733; 5,589,446; 5,587,499;5,536,577; 5,478,953; 5,391,628; 4,876,367; 4,777,270; 4,652,399;4,254,034; 4,104,275; 4,031,111; 4,024,158; 4,001,279; 3,997,562;3,997,565; 3,987,061; and 3,687,978; the disclosures of which applicantsspecifically intend to be incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety. The term “macrocyclic ligand” as used herein encompassesmacrobicyclic ligands as well. Examples of redox active macrocyclicligands of the present invention are compounds of Formula II:

wherein X is O, S, or NH and n is 1, 2 or 3 to 6, 10, 20, 30 or 40.Preferably, X is O.

In Formula II, the C2 alkylene groups shown between hetero atoms X maybe replaced with different alkylene groups (e.g., C3 or C4 alkylenegroups). All of the alkylene groups in the ring system may be the same,or they may differ. The resulting ring system may be symmetric orasymmetric. The alkylene groups may be unsubstituted or substituted(e.g., they may be substituted with any of the groups shown in thepatents incorporated by reference above).

An advantage of the use of macrocyclic ligands is that they can bindand/or extract an additional cation such as a sodium or potassium ionconcurrently with the binding of an anion such as sulfate, where such anadditional binding capability is desired.

As noted above, one or more of R₁, R₂, R₃ and/or R₄ may be a lipophilicgroup. Examples of compounds incorporating such lipophilic groupsinclude but are not limited to the following:

One procedure for the synthesis of the biimidazoles is shown in SchemeI. In the first step, an ester, such as the ester 2, is hydrolyzed to acarboxylic acid with concentrated aqueous HCl at reflux (Paul, R.;Brockman, J. A.; Hallett, W. A.; Hanifin, J. W.; Tarrant, M. E.; Torley,L. W.; Callahan, F. M.; Fabio, P. F.; Johnson, B. D.; Lenhard, R. H.;Schaub, R. E.; Wissner, A. J. Med. Chem. 1985, 28, 1704). The carboxylicacid is then converted to the corresponding acid chloride by reactionwith excess oxalyl chloride in solvent at reflux (Collman, J. P.;Bröring, M.; Fu, L.; Rapta, M.; Schwenninger, R. J. Org. Chem. 1998, 63,8084). Amides (such as compounds 5a-f) are prepared by treating an acidchloride (such as compound 4) with a series of amines. Removal of excessamine followed by recrystallization or column chromatography affords thedesired amides. Installation of a halogen at the imidazole 2-position ofthe amides, required for subsequent biimidazole bond formation, isaccomplished by treating the amides with N-iodosuccinimide (NIS) (Allen,W. E.; Fowler, C. J.; Lynch, V. M.; Sessler, J. L. Chem. Eur. J. 2001,7, 721). In the final step of the synthesis, a palladium(0)-promotedhomocoupling reaction is employed. Iodides, such as 6a-f, are treatedwith N,N-diisopropylethylamine and a catalytic amount of Pd(PPh₃)₄ toyield the biimidazole compounds.

Compounds of the present invention may be immobilized on a solid supportby any of a variety of routine techniques. For example, commerciallyavailable polystyrene resins that are functionalized with phenolicgroups can be used in conjunction with a biimidazole bearing a COOHgroup to covalently couple the biimidazole to the resin using acarbodiimide coupling agent an an amine base in a solvent such as DMF.

The removal of anions from waste streams can be achieved by a number ofdifferent methods. One such method involves mixing the biimidazole witha waste mixture to allow binding of the anion to the biimidazole. Then,the waste mixture is selectively extracted to remove the compound/anioncomplex from the mixture. Another method is to immobilize the claimedcompound onto a solid support and then mix the supported compound withthe waste mixture, thereby trapping the anions. Then, the solid supportsmay be washed and filtered to remove the waste mixture. A subsequentstep can include washing the solid supported anion complexes with asolvent that removes the anionic species, thereby recovering the anionspecies and leaving the supported biimidazoles available for re-use.

Fluorescence detection can be carried out in accordance with anysuitable technique such as with a fluorometer or scintillation counter.

Separation of an anion such as a sulfate for vitrification can becarried out with binding agents of the present invention utilized inconjunction with known techniques (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,593,493 toNilsen et al.). When used for vitrification of a waste mixture, it willbe appreciated that the binding compound, being organic, may degradeduring the vitrification process and potentially release sulfate intothe glass. Therefore, the anion/binding compound conjugate orcombination is preferably removed or separated from the waste mixtureprior to vitrification (e.g., by immobilizing the binding compound to asolid support and contacting the waste mixture to the solid support in abatch or continuous separation process).

The present invention is explained in greater detail in the followingnon-limiting Examples.

EXAMPLE 1 5-Propyl-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylic acid hydrochloride (3)

5-Propyl-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester 2 (2.00 g; 11.0mmol) and concentrated aqueous HCl (40 mL) were combined and heated toreflux with stirring for 24 h. After cooling to rt, the light tansolution was diluted with water (100 mL) and extracted with EtOAc. Theaqueous layer was then evaporated under reduced pressure. The residuewas dissolved in 2-propanol (20 mL) and cooled to −78 C. Upon additionof Et₂O, a white precipitate formed. This material was collected byfiltration and dried under vacuum to afford 2.10 g (100%) of 3. ¹H NMR(DMSO-d₆): δ 0.87 (t, 3H), 1.69 (m, 2H), 2.92 (t, 2H), 9.17 (s, 1H); ¹³CNMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 13.9, 22.4, 26.4, 120.9, 135.7, 140.0, 160.7; Anal.calcd for C₇H₁₁ClN₂O₂0.66(C₃H₉O)0.33(H₂O): C, 45.67; H, 7.24; N, 11.84;Cl, 14.98; found: C, 45.27; H, 7.17; N, 11.86; Cl, 14.68.

EXAMPLE 2 5-Propyl-1H-imidazole-4-carbonyl chloride (4)

5-Propyl-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylic acid hydrochloride 3 (1.0 g; 5.3mmol) was added to nitrogen-purged CH₃CN (10 mL). Oxalyl chloride (2.5ml; 29 mmol) was then added, and the mixture was heated to reflux underN₂ for 1 h. The brown solution was then allowed to cool, and the productbegan to precipitate. Ice-cold dry Et₂O (30 mL) was added to thereaction flask to complete the precipitation. The green-gold solid wascollected by suction filtration, washed with Et₂O, and dried undervacuum to afford 0.65 g (71%) of 4. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 0.90 (t, 3H),1.70 (m, 2H), 2.90 (t, 2H), 8.70 (s, 1H); ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 13.6,21.3, 29.4, 118.1, 137.9, 150.46, 155.8.

EXAMPLE 3 General Procedure for Preparation of Amides 5a-f

Under N₂, a round-bottomed flask containing a stir bar was charged with5-propyl-1H-imidazole-4-carbonyl chloride 4 (0.40 g, 2.3 mmol) and 3-4mL of a neat liquid amine. The mixture was stirred with gentle warmingfrom a heat gun for 5 minutes, during which time a cloud of white vaporappeared in the flask. The mixture was partitioned between 100 mL ofwater and 100 mL of an organic solvent (CH₂Cl₂ or EtOAc-THF (1:1, v:v),as required for solubility). The organic phase was then washed withsaturated aqueous NaCl and was dried over Na₂SO₄ or MgSO₄, asappropriate. Filtration, rotary evaporation of the filtrate, and-dryingfor 24 h under high vacuum afforded the crude amide as a yellow-orangeoil or solid. Further purification was performed as described below.

EXAMPLE 4 5-Propyl-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylic acid methylamide (5a)

Using a solution of 40% aqueous methylamine, 0.31 g (80%) of amide 5awas obtained as colorless prisrms after recrystallization fromCH₃CN—CH₃OH. mp 173-175 ÿC; 1H NMR (CD₃OD): δ 0.97 (t, 3H), 1.65 (m,2H), 2.55 and 2.90 (both s, 3H total), 2.95 (t, 2H), 7.50 (s, 1H), 7.85(br t, 1H); ¹³C NMR (CD₃OD): δ 14.0, 23.8, 25.8, 27.8, 135.0, 137.7,166.7; LRMS (Cl+): m/z (%): 168 (100), [M+H]+; HRMS (Cl+): calcd forC₈H₁₄N₃O 168.1137; found 168.1141.

EXAMPLE 5 5-Propyl-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylic acid3,5-difluorobenzylamide (5b)

Using 3,5-difluorobenzylamine, crude amide 5b was obtained as a viscousyellow oil after flash column chromatography on silica gel using EtOAcas the eluent. Recrystallization from Et₂O-hexanes afforded 0.32 g (50%)of pure 5b as colorless needles. mp 104-105 ÿC; TLC (EtOAc): R_(f)=0.33;¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 0.95 (t, 3H), 1.63 (m, 2H), 2.97 (t, 2H), 4.59 (d,2H), 6.60 (t, 1H), 6.80 (d, 2H), 7.32 (s, 1H), 8.00 (br t, 1H); ¹³C NMR(CDCl₃): δ 13.8, 22.8, 27.2, 42.2, 110.0, 129.5, 133.4, 137.2, 143.1,161.8, 164.7; LRMS (Cl+): m/z (%): 280 (100), [M+H]+; HRMS (Cl+): calcdfor C₁₄H₁₆F₂N₃O 280.1261; found 280:.263; Anal. calcd for C₁₄H₁₅N₃O: C60.21, H 5.41, N 15.05; found: C, 60.21; H, 5.43; N, 14.98.

EXAMPLE 6 5-Propyl-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylic acid 4-methylbenzylamide(5c)

Using 4-methylbenzylamine, 0.53 g (90%) of amide 5c was obtained as anoff-white solid after flash column chromatography on silica gel usingEtOAc as the eluent. mp 131-133 ÿC; TLC (EtOAc): R_(f)−0.28; ¹H NMR(CDCl₃): δ 0.85 (t, 3H), 1.65 (m, 2H), 2.30 (s, 3H), 3.00 (t, 2H), 4.57(d, 2H), 7.10 (dd, 4H), 7.25 (s, 1H), 7.62 (br t, 1H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃):δ 13.9, 21.7, 22.5, 27.1, 43.0, 133.6, 135.8, 137.7, 164.8; LRMS (Cl+):m/z (%): 258 (100), [M+H]+; HRMS (Cl+): calcd for C₁₅H₂₀N₃O 258.1606;found 258.1600.

EXAMPLE 7 5-Propyl-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylic acid hexylamide (5d)

Using1-hexylamine, 0.49 g (90%) of amide 5d was obtained as light yellowplates after recrystallization from CH₃CN. mp 103-104 ÿC; ¹H NMR(CDCl₃): δ 0.87 (br t, 6H), 1.30 (m, 6H), 1.61 (m, 2H), 1.65 (m, 2H),3.00 (t, 2H), 3.37 (q, 2H), 7.22 (br t, 1H), 7.48 (s, 1H); ¹³C NMR(CDCl₃): δ 14.1, 14.2, 22.8, 22.9, 27.2, 30.0, 31.3, 31.8, 39.1, 132.8,136.0, 164.2; LRMS (CI+): m/z (%): 238 (100), [M+H]+; HRMS (CI+): calcdfor C₁₃H₂₄N₃O 238.1919; found 238.1912; Anal. calcd for C₁₃H₂₃N₃O: C,65.79; H, 9.77; N, 17.70; found: C, 65.89; H, 9.38; N, 17.72.

EXAMPLE 8 5-Propyl-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylic acid (3-methoxypropyl)amide(5e)

Using 3-methoxypropylamine, 0.44 g (85%) of amide 5e was obtained asyellow crystals after flash column chromatography using EtOAc-CH₃OH(9:1, v:v) as the eluent. mp 61-63 ÿC; TLC (EtOAc-CH₃OH, 9:1):R_(f)=0.30; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 0.82 (t, 3H), 1.55 (m, 2H), 1.75 (m, 2H),2.90 (t, 2H), 3.21 (s, 3H), 3.40 (m, 4H), 7.35 (s, 1H), 7.44 (br t, 1H);¹³C NMR (CDCl₃): δ 13.9, 23.7, 27.7, 30.5, 37.3, 58.9, 71.5, 134.1,138.3, 164.6; LRMS (CI+): m/z (%): 226 (100), [M+H]+; HRMS (CI+): calcdfor C₁₁H₂₀N₃O₂ 226.1556; found 226.1553.

EXAMPLE 9 (5-Propyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-methanone (5f)

Using pyrrolidine, 0.21 g (44%) of amide 5f was obtained as yellowneedles after recrystallization from CH₃CN. mp 121-122 ÿC; ¹H NMR(CDCl₃): δ 0.85 (t, 3H), 1.61 (m, 2H), 1.90 (br m, 4H), 2.84 (t, 2H),3.60 (br s, 2H), 3.90 (br s, 2H), 7.40 (s, 1H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃): δ 13.5,22.5, 23.8, 44.9, 46.3, 46.7, 48.8, 131.0, 136.5, 164.5; LRMS (CI+): m/z(%): 208 (100), [M+H]+; HRMS (CI+): calcd for C₁₁H₁₈N₃O 208.1450; found208.1445; Anal. calcd for C₁₁H₁₇N3O: C, 63.74; H, 8.27; N, 20.27; found:C, 63.57; H, 8.30; N, 20.26.

EXAMPLE 10 General Procedure for Preparation of 2-Iodo Amides 6a-f

An imidazole amide 5 (1-2 mmol) was dissolved in dry THF (25 mL) in around-bottomed flask containing a stir bar. N-Iodosuccinimide (NIS) (2.0equiv.) was added in one portion, and the flask was covered with foil toexclude light. The mixture was heated to reflux for 24 h under N₂, thenwas allowed to cool to rt. Saturated aqueous NaHSO₃ (7 mL) was addeddropwise to destroy the excess iodine reagent. The solvents were removedunder reduced pressure, and the residue was partitioned between waterand an organic solvent (CHCl₃ or EtOAc, as determined by solubility).The organic phase was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered, and the filtrate wasevaporated to yield the 2-iodo product as a solid. In most cases, thiscrude material was used in the subsequent Pd(0)-coupling step withoutadditional purification.

EXAMPLE 11 2-Iodo-5-propyl-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylic acid methylamide(6a)

Starting from 5a (0.30 g; 1.8 mmol), 0.45 g (87%) of 6a was obtained asa yellow solid. 1H NMR (CD₃OD): δ 0.89 (t, 3H), 1.61 (m, 2H), 2.63 and2.82 (both s, 3H total), 2.91 (t, 2H), 7.85 (s, 1H); ¹³C NMR (CD₃OD): δ13.9, 23.7, 25.9, 27.7, 134.5, 142.0, 165.3; LRMS (Cl+): m/z (%): 294(100), [M+H]+; HRMS (Cl+): calcd for C₈H₁₃IN₃O 294.0103; found 294.0010.

EXAMPLE 12 2-Iodo-5-propyl-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylic acid3,5-difluorobenzylamide (6b)

Starting from 5b (0.32 g; 1.1 mmol), 0.39 g (84%) of 6b was obtained asyellow solid. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 0.91 (t, 3H), 1.62 (m, 2H), 2.99 (t,2H), 4.58 (d, 2H), 6.68 (t, 1H), 6.84 (d, 2H), 7.64 (br t, 1H), 9.14 (brs, 11H); ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃): δ 13.9, 22.8, 27.1, 42.3, 110.5, 133.8, 141.7,143.0, 161.6, 163.0, 165.1; LRMS (CI+): m/z (%): 406 (100), [M+H]+; HRMS(CI+): calcd for C₁₄H₁₅F₂IN₃O 406.0228; found 406.0219.

EXAMPLE 13 2-Iodo-5-propyl-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylic acid4-methylbenzylamide (6c)

Starting from 5c (0.30 g; 1.2 mmol), 0.38 g (85%) of 6c was obtained asa yellow solid. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 0.93 (t, 3H), 1.64 (m, 2H), 2.33 (s,3H), 3.01 (t, 2H), 4.56 (d, 2H), 7.17 (dd, 4H), 7.40 (br t, 1H); ¹³C NMR(CDCl₃): δ 14.0, 21.3, 22.8, 29.8, 42.9, 128.1, 129.5, 135.6, 137.1,141.0, 162.5; LRMS (CI+): m/z (%): 290 (100), 384 (10), [M+H]+; HRMS(CI+): calcd for C₁₅H19IN₃O 384.0573; found 384.0585.

EXAMPLE 14 2-Iodo-5-propyl-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylic acid hexylamide(6d)

Starting from 5d (0.30 g; 1.3 mmol), 0.42 g (92%) of 6d was obtained asa yellow solid. 1H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 0.81 (br t, 6H), 1.23 (m, 6H), 1.57(m, 4H), 2.96 (t, 2H), 3.35 (q, 2H), 7.16 (br t, 1H), 11.39 (br s, 1H);¹³C NMR (CDCl₃): δ 13.7, 14.0, 22.6, 26.7, 26.9, 29.6, 31.5, 39.0,134.0, 140.8, 162.5; LRMS (CI+): m/z (%): 364 (100), [M+H]+; HRMS (CI+):calcd for C₁₃H₂₃IN₃O 364.0886; found 364.0877.

EXAMPLE 15 2-Iodo-5-propyl-1H-imidazole-4-carboxylic acid(3-methoxypropyl)amide (6e)

Starting from 5e (0.56 g; 2.5 mmol), the crude product obtained from theGeneral Procedure was further purified by flash column chromatography onsilica gel using EtOAc as the eluent. Fractions containing the fast spotwere combined and evaporated to afford 0.55 g (63%) of 6e as a whitesolid. TLC (EtOAc): R_(f)=0.48; ¹H NMR (CD₃OD): δ 0.80 (t, 3H), 1.52 (m,2H), 1.76 (m, 2H), 2.85 (t, 2H), 3.23 (s, 3H), 3.29 (m, 2H), 3.37 (t,2H), 7.70 (br t, 1H); ¹³C NMR (CD₃OD): δ 13.9, 23.7, 27.7, 30.5, 58.9,71.5, 134.5, 142.1, 164.6; LRMS (CI+): m/z (%): 352 (100), [M+H]+; HRMS(CI+): calcd for C₁₁H₁₉IN₃O₂ 352.0522; found 352.0528.

EXAMPLE 16 (2-Iodo-5-propyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)-pyrrolidin-1-yl-methanone(6f)

Starting from 5f (0.21 g; 1.0 mmol), 0.30 g (89%) of 6f was obtained asa yellow solid. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 0.89 (t, 3H), 1.60 (m, 2H), 1.90 (brm, 4H), 2.80 (t, 2H), 3.61 (br s, 2H), 3.85 (br s, 2H), 9.30 (s, 1H);¹³C NMR (CDCl₃): δ 13.7, 21.0, 22.6, 23.9, 26.4, 46.6, 49.0, 136.5,141.9, 163.0; LRMS (Cl+): m/z (%): 334 (100), [M+H]+; HRMS (Cl+): calcdfor C₁₁H₁₇IN₃O 334.0416; found 334.0419.

EXAMPLE 17 General Procedure for Preparation of Biimidazole Diamides1a-f

An iodide 6 (1.0-1.6 mmol) and dry toluene (30 mL) were placed in athick-walled pressure tube containing a stir bar. The solution waspurged with N₂ for 5 min, then N,N-diisopropylethylamine (2.0 equiv) andtetrakis (triphenylphosphine) palladium(0) (0.040 equiv) were added tothe reaction mixture. The tube was sealed, covered in foil, and heatedat 110 C for 48 h, during which time the reaction turned dark red-brown.Subsequent isolation and purification of products 1a-f varied, asdescribed below.

EXAMPLE 18 5,5′-Dipropyl-1H,1′H-[2,2′]biimidazolyl-4,4′-dicarboxylicacid bis(methylamide) (1a)

Iodide 6a (0.35 g; 1.2 mmol) was used as starting material. Aftercooling to rt, the reaction mixture was diluted with CH₃OH and filtered.The filtrate was evaporated under vacuum, and the residue was dissolvedin CH₂Cl₂. Upon standing, a white solid precipitated. This material wascollected by filtration and was washed with ice-cold CH₂Cl₂ to afford0.080 g (43%) of 1a. mp>260 ÿC; TLC (EtOAc): R_(f)=0.32; 1H NMR(DMSO-d₆): δ 0.83 (t, 6H), 1.61 (m, 4H), 2.73 (d, 6H), 2.89 (t, 4H),7.50 (br t, 2H1); ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆): 6 13.1, 21.9, 24.7, 30.2, 130.3,135.6, 163.0; UV/vis (CH₃OH): λ_(max) (ε M⁻¹cm⁻¹)=286 (18500), 294(18200), 309 (9860); Anal. calcd for C₁₆H₂₄N₆O₂.0.25(CH₂Cl₂): C, 55.19;H, 6.98; N, 23.76; found: C, 54.93; H, 6.71; N, 23.74.

EXAMPLE 19 5,5′-Dipropyl-1H,1′H-[2,2′]biimidazolyl-4,4′-dicarboxylicacid bis(3,5-difluorobenzylamide) (1b)

Iodide 6b (0.44 g; 1.1 mmol) was used as starting material. Aftercooling to rt, the reaction mixture was diluted with CH₃OH and filtered.The filtrate was evaporated under vacuum, and the residue was dissolvedin CHCl₃. Slow addition of CH₃CN caused a brown solid to precipitate.This material was collected by filtration and washed with CH₃CN toafford 0.12 g (40%) of 1b as an off-white solid. mp 173-174 C; TLC(CH₂Cl₂-EtOAc, 1:1): R_(f)=0.51; ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 0.85 (t, 6H), 1.60(m, 4H), 2.90 (t, 4H), 4.42 (d, 4H), 6.99 (d, 411), 7.05 (t, 2H), 8.20(br t, 2H); ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 14.1, 23.1, 30.2, 41.8, 110.9, 131.0,141.7, 145.5, 161.3, 163.8, 164.7; UV/vis (CH₃OH): _(max) (M⁻¹cm⁻¹)=287(21800), 294 (20700), 309 (10700); LRMS (Cl+): m/z (%): 557 (100)[M+H]+; HRMS (Cl+): calcd for C₂₈H₂₉F₄ N₆O₂ 557.2288; found 557.2292.

EXAMPLE 20 5,5′-Dipropyl-1H,1′H-[2,2′]biimidazolyl-4,4′-dicarboxylicacid bis(4-methylbenzylamide) (1c)

Iodide 6c (0.45 g; 1.2 mmol) was used as starting material. Aftercooling to rt, the reaction mixture was diluted with CH₃OH and filtered.The filtrate was evaporated under vacuum, and the residue was trituratedwith CH₃CN. The solid that remained undissolved was collected byfiltration and washed with CH₃CN to afford 0.30 g (38%) of 1c as anoff-white microcrystalline solid. An analytical sample wasrecrystallized from CH₃OH. mp 226-227 C; TLC (CH₂Cl₂-EtOAc, 1:1):R_(f)=0.60; ¹H NMR (CD₂Cl₂): δ 0.80 (t, 6H), 1.59 (m, 4H), 2.21 (s, 6H),2.86 (t, 4H), 4.39 (d, 4H), 7.05 (dd, 8H), 7.22 (br t, 2H); ¹³C NMR(DMSO-d₆): δ 14.2, 21.4, 23.3, 27.0, 49.6, 128.3, 129.9, 131.0, 137.0,138.7, 164.2; UV/vis (CH₃OH): _(max) (M⁻¹cm⁻¹)=287 (25100), 295(25100),310 (13700); LRMS (CI+): m/z (%): 513 (100) [M+H]+; HRMS (CI+): calcdfor C₃₀H₃₇N₆O₂ 513.2978; found 513.2981; Anal. calcd forC₃₀H₃₆N₆O₂0.33(H₂O): C, 68.68; H, 7.17; N, 16.02; found: C, 68.58; H,7.17; N, 16,11.

EXAMPLE 21 5,5′-Dipropyl-1H,1′H-[2,2′]biimidazolyl-4,4′-dicarboxylicacid bis(hexylamide) (1d)

Iodide 6d (0.45 g; 1.1 mmol) was used as starting material. Aftercooling to rt, the reaction mixture was diluted with CH₃OH and filtered.The filtrate was evaporated under vacuum, and the residue wasrecrystallized from CH₃OH to afford 0.12 g (45%) of 1d as a white solid.mp>260 C; TLC (QH₂Cl₂-EtOAc, 1:1): R_(f)=0.51; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 0.88(br t, 6H), 0.97 (t, 6H), 1.31 (br m, 12H), 1.60 (m, 4H), 1.72 (m, 4H),3.06 (t, 4H), 3.38 (q, 4H), 7.00 (br t, 2H); ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 14.2,14.6, 22.8, 23.1, 26.9, 30.2, 31.7, 38.7, 131.3, 137.2, 163.5; UV/vis(CH₃OH): _(max) (M⁻¹cm⁻¹)=287 (26000), 295 (25900), 309 (14100); LRMS(CI+): m/z (%): 473 (100) [M+H]+; HRMS (CI+): calcd for C₂₆H₄₅N₆O₂473.3604; found 473.3601; Anal. calcd for C₂₆H₄₄N₆O₂: C, 66.07; H, 9.38;N, 17.78; found: C, 66.26; H, 9.54; N, 17.83.

EXAMPLE 22 5,5′-Dipropyl-1H, 1′H-[2,2′]biimidazolyi-4,4′-dicarboxylicacid bis[(3-methoxypropyl)amide] (1e)

Iodide 6e (0.55 g; 1.6 mmol) was used as starting material. Aftercooling to rt, the reaction mixture was diluted with CH₃OH and filtered.The filtrate was evaporated under vacuum, and the residue wasrecrystallized from EtOAc to afford 0.13 g (33%) of 1e as colorlessprisms. mp>260 C; TLC (EtOAc): R_(f)=0.31; ¹H NMR (CDCl₃): δ 0.91 (t,6H), 1.65 (m, 4H), 1.82 (m, 44), 3.00 (t, 4H), 3.34 (s, 6H), 3.48 (m,8H), 7.29 (br t, 2H); ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 14.3, 24.1, 26.7, 32.3, 61.9,72.3, 137.5, 145.1, 167.3; UV/vis (CH₃OH): _(max) (M⁻¹cm⁻¹)=287 (25600),295 (25400), 309 (13800); LRMS (CI+): m/z (%): 449 (100) [M+H]+; HRMS(CI+): calcd for C₂₂H₃₇N₆O₄ 449.2876; found 449.2875; Anal. calcd forC₂₂H₃₆N₆O₄: C, 58.91; H, 8.09; N, 18.74; found: C, 59.00; H, 8.09; N,18.78.

EXAMPLE 23 15,5′-Dipropyl-4′-(pyrrolidine-1-carbonyl)-1H,1′H-[2,2′]biimidazolyl-4-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl-methanone (1f)

Iodide 6f (0.34 g; 1.0 mmol) was used as starting material. Aftercooling to rt, the reaction mixture was diluted with CH₃OH and filtered.The filtrate was evaporated under vacuum, and the residue wasrecrystallized from CH₃OH to afford 0.080 g (38%) of 1f as yellowprisms. mp>260 C; TLC (EtOAc): R_(f)=0.14; ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 0.84 (t,6H), 1.59 (m, 4H), 1.80 (br m, 8H), 2.80 (t, 4H), 3.55 (br m, 4H), 3.90(br m, 4H); ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 14.3, 23.4, 24.2, 26.9, 31.4, 46.8,49.0, 132.9, 138.0, 163.7; UV/vis (CH₃OH): _(max) (M³¹ ¹cm⁻¹)=287(21200), 294 (20900), 309 (sh); LRMS (Cl+): m/z (%): 208 (100), 413 (70)[M+H]+; HRMS (Cl+): calcd for C₂₂H₃₃N₆O₂ 413.2665; found 413.2662; Anal.calcd for C₂₂H₃₂N₆O₂0.33(H₂ O): C, 63.13; H, 7.87; N, 20.08; found: C,63.21; H, 7.82; N, 20.08.

EXAMPLE 24 Fluorescence Titrations

Biimidazole diamides 1b-f were dissolved in spectrophotometric gradedichloromethane such that the concentration of each solution was between1×10⁻⁶ M and 3×10⁻⁶ M (sonication was required to effect completedissolution in some cases). An electronic absorption spectrum wasacquired for each sample to ensure that the optical density was lessthan 0.1. A 3.0 mL sample of biimidazole diamide solution wastransferred to a quartz cuvette and placed into the fluorometer. Thesample was excited at 300 nm, and an emission spectrum from 310-460 nmwas recorded. Upon completion of the scan, the area contained under theemission band (F) was computed. Aliquots of an approximately 0.03 Msolution of anion (as tetrabutylammonium (Bu₄N⁺) salt) in CH₂Cl₂ werethen injected into the sample solution through a small hole in the cap.The sample solution was magnetically stirred for 1 min after eachaddition, then was scanned again. This process was repeated until thechange in fluorescence intensity became insignificant. The total volumeof the sample solution changed by less than 2% over the course of theexperiment.

Binding constants (K_(assoc)) were derived from plots of F/F₀ vs.[anion] (Connors, K. A. Binding Constants, Wiley, N.Y., 1987). Duringiterative fitting to the equationF/F₀=(1+(k_(complex)/k_(biimid))K_(assoc)[anion])/(1+K_(assoc)[anion]),the values of k_(complex) and K_(assoc) were allowed to vary freely. Theconstant k_(biimid) is equal to F₀/[biimid]₀. Results reported in Table1 are averages of at least two replicate titrations. TABLE 1 BindingConstants, K_(assoc) (M⁻¹) for 1b-f with Dihydrogenphosphate andChloride in CH₂Cl₂ at 23° C. biimidazole H₂PO₄ ⁻ Cl⁻ 1b 6.8 × 10⁴ 1.4 ×10⁵ 1c 4.6 × 10⁴ 3.7 × 10⁴ 1d 4.7 × 10⁴ 2.7 × 10⁴ 1e 4.1 × 10⁴ 2.5 × 10⁴1f 2.0 × 10⁴ 4.0 × 10³

EXAMPLE 25 ¹H NM Binding Studies

An 0.0132 M solution of 1c in CD₂Cl₂-acetone-d₆ (2:1, v:v) was prepared.A portion (0.75 mL) of this solution was transferred to an NMR tube; tothe remainder of the solution was added Bu₄N⁺H₂PO₄ ⁻ such that itsconcentration was 0.189 M. A known volume of the anion-containingsolution was added to the NMR tube, the tube was inverted several timesto mix the contents, and the chemical shift of the amide NH protons of1c was determined using a 500 MHz instrument. This process was repeateduntil these protons ceased to move downfield. Procedures similar to theone above were also used to asses the binding of 1c to H₂PO₄ ⁻ inCD₂Cl₂-DMSO-d₆ (2:1, v:v), and the binding of 1c to Cl³¹ in DMSO-d₆.Binding constants were calculated using the non-linear curve fittingprogram WinEQNMR²⁰.

The stoichiometry of 1c+H₂PO₄ ⁻ complexation in the NMR concentrationregime was determined by the method of continuous variations (i.e., aJob analysis). Thus, equimolar solutions of 1c and Bu₄N⁺ H₂PO₄ ⁻ wereprepared (in CD₂Cl₂-acetone-d₆(2:1, v:V)), and were mixed in varyingratios in a series of NMR tubes such that the total number of mole of1c+H₂PO₄ ⁻ was the same in each tube. The chemical shift of the amide NHprotons of 1c was recorded for each sample. A plot of {(δ_(obs−δ)₀)/δ_(max) }[1c ] vs. mole fraction 1c was then generated; it displayeda maximum at a mole fraction 1c of 0.65.

The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention, and is not to beconstrued as limiting thereof. The invention is defined by the followingclaim, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.

1. A compound of Formula I:

wherein: R₁, R₂, R₃ and R⁴ are each independently H, alkyl, substitutedalkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl,alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, aryl, substituted aryl, alkylaryl,substituted alkylaryl, arylalkyl, substituted arylalkyl, alkoxy,substituted alkoxy, arylalkenyl, substituted arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl,substituted arylalkynyl, aroyl, acyl, heterocyclic, substitutedheterocyclic, halogen, cyano, nitro, macrocyclic ligand, and lipophilicgroups; R₅ and R₆ are each independently H, alkyl, substituted alkyl,cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl,alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, aryl, substituted aryl, alkylaryl,substituted alkylaryl, arylalkyl, substituted arylalkyl, alkoxy,substituted alkoxy, arylalkenyl, substituted arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl,substituted arylalkynyl, aroyl, acyl, heterocyclic, substitutedheterocyclic, halogen, cyano, nitro, or a macrocyclic ligand; and R₇ andR₈ are each independently H or lower alkyl.
 2. The compound of claim 1,wherein at least one of R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ is a macrocyclic ligand. 3.The compound of claim 1, wherein at least one of R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ is alipophilic group.
 4. The compound of claim 1 immobilized on a solidsupport.
 5. The compound of claim 1 further comprising an anion boundthereto.
 6. The compound of claim 1, wherein said anion is sulfate.
 7. Amethod of binding an anion, comprising contacting an anion to a compoundaccording to claim 1 so that said anion is bound thereto.
 8. The methodof claim 7, wherein said anion is sulfate.
 9. A method of extracting ananion from a mixed composition containing the same, comprising the stepsof: (a) contacting said mixed composition to a binding compound ofFormula I so that said anion is bound thereto;

wherein: R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ are each independently H, alkyl, substitutedalkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl,alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, aryl, substituted aryl, alkylaryl,substituted alkylaryl, arylalkyl, substituted arylalkyl, alkoxy,substituted alkoxy, arylalkenyl, substituted arylalkenyl, arylalkyny),substituted arylalkynyl, aroyl, acyl, heterocyclic, substitutedheterocyclic, halogen, cyano, nitro, macrocyclic ligand or lipophilicgroups; R₅ and R₆ are each independently H, alkyl, substituted alkyl,cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl,alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, aryl, substituted aryl, alkylaryl,substituted alkylaryl, arylalkyl, substituted arylalkyl, alkoxy,substituted alkoxy, arylalkenyl, substituted arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl,substituted arylalkynyl, aroyl, acyl, heterocyclic, substitutedheterocyclic, halogen, cyano, nitro or a macrocyclic ligand; and R₇ andR₈ are each independently H or lower alkyl; and the (b) separating saidbinding compound from said mixed composition to thereby extract saidanion from said mixed composition.
 10. A method according to claim 9,wherein said mixed composition comprises nuclear waste material, andsaid method further comprising the step of vitrifying said mixedcomposition following said separating step.
 11. A method of claim 9,wherein said binding compound is immobilized on a solid support.
 12. Themethod of claim 9, wherein at least one of R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ is amacrocyclic ligand.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein at least one ofR₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ is a lipophilic group.
 14. A method of detecting ananion, comprising the step of: (a) contacting an anion to a bindingcompound of Formula I

wherein: R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ are each independently H, alkyl, substitutedalkyl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl,alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, aryl, substituted aryl, alkylaryl,substituted alkylaryl, arylalkyl, substituted arylalkyl, alkoxy,substituted alkoxy, arylalkenyl, substituted arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl,substituted arylalkynyl, aroyl, acyl, heterocyclic, substitutedheterocyclic, halogen, cyano, nitro, macrocyclic ligand or lipophilicgroups; R₅ and R₆ are each independently H, alkyl, substituted alkyl,cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, alkenyl, substituted alkenyl,alkynyl, substituted alkynyl, aryl, substituted aryl, alkylaryl,substituted alkylaryl, arylalkyl, substituted arylalkyl, alkoxy,substituted alkoxy, arylalkenyl, substituted arylalkenyl, arylalkynyl,substituted arylalkynyl, aroyl, acyl, heterocyclic, substitutedheterocyclic, halogen, cyano, nitro, or a macrocyclic ligand; and R₇ andR₈ are each independently H or lower alkyl; and then (b) determining thefluorescence of said compound, wherein said compound is less fluorescentwhen said anion is bound thereto, to thereby detect said anion.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, wherein said contacting step is carried out bycombining said anion and said compound in a common liquid solution. 16.The method of claim 15, wherein said liquid solution comprisesdichloromethane.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein said determiningstep is carried out by fluorometry.